Acoustic Neuroma Endoscopic Surgery: Removed thru Ear Canal

Finally, endoscopic surgery for the removal of an acoustic neuroma has arrived, in which the tumor is removed through the ear canal using an endoscope.

The summer of 2016 was a big move ahead for the surgical treatment of acoustic neuroma.

An acoustic neuroma is also known as a vestibular Schwannoma. It is a very slow growing, benign tumor that is often discovered by accident when the patient receives an MRI for an unrelated issue.

Traditionally, treatment options have been limited to radiation (which can leave side effects including increasing the risk of cancer) and surgical resection (cutting out the tumor), which in most cases leaves the patient hearing impaired.

Nerve damage from both approaches can result in other residual symptoms such as dizziness, headaches and partial facial numbness and even paralysis.

Wouldn’t it be great if acoustic neuromas could be taken out via the ear canal? This would eliminate radiation and cutting into the skull.

Two patients last summer underwent endoscopy for their acoustic neuromas. Dr. Brandon Isaacson used an endoscope to reach the tumors and extract them.

Though the treatment in some cases for smaller acoustic neuromas involves only surveillance, many other patients must undergo either radiation (radiosurgery) or microsurgery (surgical resection).

The endoscopic option would be available for smaller tumors, which would be removed through the ear canal. You can easily imagine that if this benign, rare tumor was large, it would not fit through the canal to be removed.

Dr. Isaacson’sresearch interests include cochlear implants, endoscopic ear surgery and acoustic neuroma. His clinical interests include all aspects of otology and neurotology, with a special focus on skull base surgery.

Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.